Identification of Langerhans Cells in Human Gingival Epithelium

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Abstract
Three recent techniques of Langerhans cell detection in oral epithelium were compared qualitatively and Langerhans cells were compared quantitatively in clinically normal and clinically inflamed human gingival biopsies. Subjects (11) were selected who displayed chronic periodontitis and moderate gingival inflammation. A quadrant associated with clinically inflamed tissues was not treated, while the remaining teeth were scaled and root-planted. Gingival biopsies (2) were taken; clinically normal, treated tissue; and clinically inflamed, untreated tissue. Langerhans cells were stained using HLA-DR, S-100 and OKT6. They were quantitated using a standardized grid for OKT6-stained sections only. Approximately 5 times as many Langerhans cells were identified in the biopsy specimens of clinically inflamed human gingiva as in clinically normal gingiva of the same patient. Of the methods studied, OKT6 was qualitatively determined to be the best for visualization of these cells. An immunologic role in the host response to chronic periodontal disease is postulated for Langerhans cells.